Our Governors

Susannah Bellingham
Head Teacher

I was appointed as Brunswick Park’s Head Teacher in April 2014, a job I find hugely rewarding. Many families will be familiar with me at the school, as I have worked here for over two decades; first as the leader of Years 4-6, then as Assistant Head Teacher for Key Stage 2, during which time I qualified as a coach to support people from all walks of life to solve problems and find solutions, was brokered through a local Teaching School Alliance as a Specialist Leader in Education working in partnership with colleagues across Boroughs in other schools, and through the London Leadership Strategy supported teacher colleagues to reflect upon and improve practice through facilitation and training.

I began my career as a teacher in 1993, having trained in Hull after completing a Music Degree in Newcastle upon Tyne. I worked for 5 years in Middle and Junior schools in Rugby, Warwickshire, before moving to London in 1998 to work at Goodrich Primary School in Southwark. London is now very much my home, and at the moment I cannot imagine living anywhere else in the UK. I believe strongly that children must feel secure in order to develop the confidence needed to learn, because learning is all about making mistakes. This is why Brunswick Park is led to be a community of values, in which children are taught the difference between rights and responsibilities and that the relationships they make are of paramount importance; if you cannot relate well to others you cannot learn.

In April 2019 Ofsted judged the school’s provision for personal development, behaviour and welfare to be Outstanding, and I share the Co-Chairs of Governors’ commitment to the development of the whole child and to ensuring that the best educational provision is delivered and maintained for every pupil. Music remains at the centre of what I do outside work, and whilst I no longer have the opportunity to play the flute in orchestras, I continue to sing with the London Philharmonic Choir, which allows me the luxury of working with world class musicians and conductors in landmark venues such as the Royal Albert Hall.

Anthony Doudle
Co-opted Governor (Chair)

I have worked in education since 1984.  I am a trained teacher and taught in primary schools in Melbourne, Australia for 10 years before moving to London.  Since January 2000, I have worked in Hackney, Islington and Lewisham.  During the majority of this time, I have worked in local authorities to improve the quality of teaching and learning though supporting and delivering training for teachers and working closely with senior leaders and governors to improve outcomes for children and young people.

I am passionate about supporting school communities to deliver the very best education to the young people were serve.  It is a privilege to work with the senior leaders and staff at Brunswick Park as we strive to achieve the school ethos of ‘Learning for living through respect, support and challenge’.

Veronica Kigundu
Local Authority Governor (Co-Chair)

I have worked in Southwark Council’s Children and Adults’ Services for over 10 years, providing information, advice and guidance to improve outcomes for children, young people and families. A school is a community hub in many ways through which families can access this information, advice and guidance. Being a governor has given me a great opportunity to give back to my community.

Matthew Guy
Co-opted Governor

I’m a co-opted governor living a few miles from the school. I became a governor in 2021 because I wanted to contribute to the local community, particularly after becoming a parent myself. I’m a strong believer in the power of education to give children and young people opportunities to thrive, and want to support Brunswick Park Primary School to achieve this for every child in the school.

I work for Engineering UK, a charity that helps more, and more diverse, young people start careers in the engineering and technology sectors. I’ve previously worked with digital skills charity Apps for Good, London College of Communication at Elephant and Castle, and for charities such as Alzheimer’s Society and NSPCC. Outside work I enjoy taking my son to South East London’s many parks, plus cycling, running and cooking.

Edel Fallon
Staff Governor

I have worked at Brunswick Park Primary School for over 8 years as a class teacher and middle leader. I am passionate about providing our pupils with the best possible education so that each child reaches their full potential. I have worked across Key Stage 2 and am currently based in Year 4.

My other roles include Leading Mathematics across the school, being a Deputy Safeguarding Lead, offering support as a Mental Health First Aider and I am Phase Leader of Years 4 – 6. I am looking forward to my newly appointed role as Staff Governor as I feel it will provide me further opportunities to work alongside staff, families and our community to ensure our pupils receive an enriching and inspiring curriculum in preparation for KS3 and life in a modern world.

Darren Mason
Co-opted Governor

I am an experienced educator with over two decades of teaching experience across all age groups. I hold a PGCE and a Fellowship in Higher Education, specialising in Music. My expertise extends to leadership roles, having served as Course Leader for Secondary music departments and currently teaching HE/FE in a local college. My responsibilities include quality assurance, self-assessment, and program management for both youth and adult learners, as well as general further education. I previously taught music at Brunswick (Maternity Cover).

Richard Llewellyn-Davies
Co-opted Governor

I have recently been elected as a parent governor at Brunswick Park. I have a professional background in delivering large Government programmes, including flagship COVID and post-COVID recovery programmes for the Department for Education. As such, my skills include helping teams to work effectively, establishing, or transforming, services and effective organisational governance.

I also spent 15 years providing foster care for looked-after children and so I have a special interest in supporting the needs of disadvantaged children, and those with experience of the care system. My wider interests include playing music, cheap holidays, and playing badminton.